The Corpse at Caddo Lake (The Motorhome Mysteries Book 1) by Jayna Morrow

Author:Jayna Morrow [Morrow, Jayna]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Shoreline Books
Published: 2024-01-24T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 16

RANGER BOB

Anne Marie pushed the door and stepped into the museum, noting the clock on the wall above the front desk that announced each hour with a different bird call. Fifteen minutes until the Black-capped Chickadee chirped out the 3 o'clock hour. Plenty of time.

Two rangers were on duty. An older ranger processed fishing licenses and regaled visitors with information about what was biting and where the best places were to drop anchor. Larissa, a part-time guide and college student studying ornithology, held aloft an alligator skull as she spoke with a group of tourists gathered around. Anne Marie sat on a bench nearby and listened to Larissa explain reptile behavior to wide-eyed children. But something seemed off with Larissa today. She wasn't as peppy or funny as before, on the night hike when she’d talked about owls and spiders with great enthusiasm.

When Larissa finished her presentation, she encouraged the group to explore the museum further and joined Anne Marie on the bench. "I was hoping to see you before the Happy Campers pulled out. How's the latest book coming along?"

"Eh, still behind schedule with all the holiday distractions,” Anne Marie replied with a sigh, “but this tortoise will win the race. How are you doing?"

"Oh, don't worry about me. I'm still a little shaken. Who wouldn’t be after seeing a dead body? But keeping to my normal routine helps." Larissa’s smile didn’t quite reach her eyes. "These past few days have been rough for everyone. Where's your sidekick? I thought for sure Katina wouldn't miss an opportunity to investigate.” She paused, then lowered her voice. “I mean, you are investigating the murder, aren’t you?"

“Not officially.” Anne Marie raised her eyebrows but tried to keep her expression neutral. "Katina’s meeting me at the floating parade. What I need to talk to you about is something that just popped into my head."

"Oh? Have you heard something new?"

"No, I'm hoping to unearth a clue right now though… if you'll let me see the reservations log."

"We don't have a log anymore, not a physical one. We do all the bookings online or through the computer system when someone calls in." She shrugged and pointed to an older model desktop where the elderly ranger sat, hunched possessively over it. "Mrs. Button never budges."

"Couldn't you lure her away from the front desk?" Anne Marie knew the young park ranger was a serious, highly intelligent scientist, and she hoped her natural curiosity would kick in and she'd help her come up with a scheme. But Larissa looked forlorn and not hard-pressed to help. With a sly grin, she added, "Any distraction will do. I need to know who booked reservations and when, so I can figure out what happened to Omer."

Larissa’s expression softened, but she shook her head no. "I'm sorry, but this whole murder thing creeps me out. I spend a lot of time in the woods, alone, at night, researching owl behavior, and I don't know if I'll ever feel safe to continue my research.

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